Phonicphobia

We have always been so proud of all the new things our children accomplish: first words, first steps, first friends. So it should be no surprise that we were thrilled when our oldest daughter began to read when she was five years old. We cheered her on as she sounded things out and opened up a new frontier in her life. Actually, in OUR lives.

Soon she was off and running. The elation that she could actually read her own books (oh, how we had prayed for this day!) was quickly followed by a paralyzing fear.

While browsing the cable guide, I could no longer say “there isn’t anything you want to watch on tv” while simultaneously passing up all those insipid shows that I refused to allow in our house (prime example: Sponge Bob). In fact, now the remote control is no longer in my domain.

The door to the outside world and all it's influences has been propped open by her little phonic-minded brain.

Last week while we were on vacation, she and I were in line at the airport bathroom.

"Mom, what's a Tampon?" she asks while examining the curious machine next to her.

I look at the women in line ahead of me and see shoulders jiggling while a few of the ladies have a good chuckle.

Phonicphobia. A very real condition.